HFC Associate Dean named 2024 Quality Professional of the Year

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Dr. Saso Krstovski portrait.
Dr. Sašo Krstovski has joined HFC as the new Associate Dean of the School of Business, Entrepreneurship, & Professional Development (BEPD).

The American Society for Quality Automotive Division recently named HFC Associate Dean of Industrial Technologies in the HFC School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development (BEPD) Dr. Sašo Krstovski the 2024 Quality Professional of the Year.

“I am honored to be selected as the Quality Professional of the Year,” said Krstovski, of Macomb County. “I have been an active member of ASQ for more than 20 years and have participated in many functions and activities. As a young engineer, ASQ has been an invaluable resource for learning and applying quality fundamentals.”

A testament to Krstovski’s outstanding performance

The Quality Professional of the Year Award recognizes individuals in the automotive industry who have made significant contributions in leadership or managerial skills in implementing continuous improvement in quality. This prestigious recognition is a testament to of Krstovski’s dedication, hard work, and outstanding performance, said ASQ Automotive Division Chairperson M. Ali Rizwan.

The criteria for this award include:

  • Services provided to the community toward furthering the understanding of quality systems and techniques.
  • Support and encouragement of innovative ideas leading to the pursuit of excellence.
  • Demonstration of a high regard for team benefits and results.

"Throughout his 30-year career in automotive manufacturing, Sašo has dedicated himself to improving quality, teaching quality principles, and applying statistical methods to ensure products and services meet high standards," said Lou Ann Lathrop of the ASQ Automotive Division leadership team. "As a certified Six Sigma Level II Master Black Belt, he has been a passionate supporter of the ASQ for more than 20 years, crediting much of his expertise in quality to ASQ's seminars and training."

Working at HFC is “incredibly rewarding”

A native of Macedonia, Krstovski’s family immigrated to the United States when he was 4. Fluent in English and Macedonian, Krstovski is a graduate of Paul K. Cousino High School in Warren. He is a two-time alumnus of Wayne State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and his master’s degree in computer control systems. He later earned his doctoral degree in manufacturing systems from Lawrence Technological University. Krstovski is also a Six Sigma Level II Master Black Belt.

Krstovski worked as an engineer at Ford Motor Company for approximately 30 years prior to joining HFC at the start of the Fall 2024 semester. At HFC, he oversees the Advanced Manufacturing, Trade and Apprenticeship Education, Building Sciences, Automotive Technology, and ASSET programs. He reports to BEPD Dean Dr. Patricia Chatman.

Krstovski has really enjoyed his short time at the College.

“Working in academia is incredibly rewarding. I have the ability to influence the future workforce and share my experiences on a larger scale with both faculty and students,” he said. “HFC is a fantastic place to work. Everyone has been incredibly helpful throughout my journey. The campus is very welcoming and feels like home.”